2014 Norco Bigfoot

Just posted on Norco's Facebook Page

One of the bikes you can expect to see in the 2014 Norco Bicycles lineup is a fat bike called the Bigfoot. This video is not the typical use of a fat bike but then again there is nothing typical about a fat bike!

No I was watching him thinking that looked pretty uncomfortable bouncing down the trail. Trouble is if you are going to ride fast you can't drop the pressure too much on a rough trail or you'll pinch flat.

Is this the first Canadian fatbike? I recall there were more than a few complaints about the pricing of Surly/Salsa fatbikes north of the border, so maybe this will help? Looks like a solid offering to me.

Is this the first Canadian fatbike? I recall there were more than a few complaints about the pricing of Surly/Salsa fatbikes north of the border, so maybe this will help? Looks like a solid offering to me.

For the Norco bikes I've looked at [FS all mtn] they are at the same price if not higher than other brands I was looking at like Santa Cruz which isn't known to be cheap.

It helps living close to the border, every month or so I hop across to Point Roberts and pick up my goodies (I can do it in the morning and arrive at work in downtown Vancouver by 9!) Even better is that if the order is less than about $300 or so they just wave you through without charging duty, it isn't worth their time to collect it.

I have a Pugsley frame waiting patiently for me right now, and I'll go down once my bhphoto order arrives. But I have noticed that photography equipment can actually be marginally cheaper in Canada.

Which is why bikes from On-One are so popular (not to mention just damn good too). It's no secret that I haven't got a fat bike yet, but try tellin' the mrs it'll cost well over 2K and you'll soon find yourself well short of brownie points. On-One's frame/fork/wheel/tyre package is ~AU$770 landed. Much more "palatable".

How much is low volume, and how much is import duties and taxes? How much of an average Briton's/Canadian's/Aussie's/Kiwi's (I hope that isn't an insult?) etc. labor goes towards that item?

I make what I consider an average wage (about 3% above median for my region), but after paying taxes, health insurance, saving for retirement, etc. my Pugs was about 80% of a month's take-home wages. If one subtracts things such as mortgage, utilities, health-care co-pays and deductibles, auto, home and life insurance, groceries, etc. leaving "discretionary" income I'd like to know if we are still doing better than others.

In that light, the Pugsley used up about two years of bike and gear budget.

So, lets compare units of time, instead of units of money. Maybe we're not so different after all.

I don't pay any tax if I mail order online, and if the order is small they don't charge me duty taking it back across the border. So I pay no tax at all! And lots of the orders have free shipping too. I just pay $5 to get it held at the warehouse across the border. Even if they do charge duty, it's only 5% for bike components.

Yes, bikes are expensive. But I have found a good deal on rent so I have quite a bit of disposable income per month. No family yet, I'll wait a bit. Don't save for your retirement, stocks and bonds are a ponzi scheme and you'll lose most of it in the next year or so. Just buy gold coins anonymously, and you will be set for life when it goes to $15,000 an ounce.

Here's a fun fact: The Norco Bigfoot is actually the same bike as the Nakamura BigBob and Diamant Mammut sold in Norway. Norco partnered up with Gresvig (who owns the chains who sell those bikes) and is basically selling their design under the Norco name.

2014 Norco Bigfoot

Pricing is rough. I run an undisclosed NORCO demo center in the states, and our lovely Canadian clients realize that it would be cheaper to buy one here. If I understand correctly, if you stay more than 48 hours, you won't get hit with duty crossing back over. I see a frame in my future.

Pricing is rough. I run an undisclosed NORCO demo center in the states, and our lovely Canadian clients realize that it would be cheaper to buy one here. If I understand correctly, if you stay more than 48 hours, you won't get hit with duty crossing back over. I see a frame in my future.

The Nakamura/Diamant bikes are going for between 1350 and 1700 USD, converted from Norwegian kroner. Seeing as it is essentialy the same bike and prices in Norway might be a bit higher, then it shouldn't cost more than that. Unless Norco is overcharging grossly.

I just got a message from my bike shop yesterday quoting me $1300 AU for it, SLX and Deore drivetrain, Elixir 3 brakes. I think there may be a little bit more growth upwards in that figure, however that is only a little more than a set of fat bike wheels in Australia, I was quoted 1200 for a wheelset. Looks like my Mukluk frame might have some competition...

That or make do with a on one wheels set for the Salsa

Last edited by hardly_stuntworthy; 08-01-2013 at 09:34 PM.
Reason: update

I agree completely!! I am just building a dedicated xc suspension Fatty and don't want anything slacker.

I'm sure that's the best way to go if you know you want a suspension fork. My own personal taste is to keep the front end low. Both my fatbikes have 450mm A-to-C forks, and I'm not sure I'd like the front end jacked up by 35 to 50mm, which is what the TransFat would do to me. I am itching to try one, though! I'm wondering if you could regain enough of a steeper HTA with an AngleSet?

FYI...here is a response from Carver regarding the trans fat fork compatibility with the bigfoot:

Without knowing what the axle to crown length of either fork, it is hard to tell. Our fork set at 110 mm travel is 484 mm axle to crown. Set at 100 mm it is 476 mm, and at 80 mm is 460 mm. Unless it is out of that range (pretty unlikely!) you should be able to adjust it to fit by adjusting the shock travel.

Just picked up two of them (his and hers) a short time ago as interim bikes for the season.

Quick review:

1. The Vee Rubber (26x4 72TPI) tire is garbage in the fresh packing snow. Absolute garbage, just slides out everywhere and have zero traction on anything with a camber or hill. Would likely be OK on hardpack, groomed trail, but that is not my intended use. Would advise that you replace before you even leave the shop with a pair of Nates. I couldn't as my LBS doesn't sell anything other than studded 45NRTH Dils and I don't want to re-mortgage my house for new shoes. I was aware of the limitations of the VR 4.0 and planned on replacing immediately, but was actually surprised at how limited it was. It may do well on sand, and like likely keep it around to try it in the summer.

2. The threads on the rear QR skewer suddenly snapped off leaving me with an un-rideable bike within the first 20 seconds of riding. My LBS didn't have spares, so I had to go to a competitor and buy a Hope skewer as a replacement until they can warranty it. This was likely a flawed part, but it didn't make me feel very good but my LBS took care of me WAY beyond what they needed to including paying a competitor full retail for a replacement.

3. The Wellgo pedals are garbage, get some decent flats or move your clipless over.

4. They are a blast, and affordable. I really like the frame geometry and the overall look of the machine. The components are relatively low-end, but its to be expected at it's price point - I am no stranger to upgrading bikes, and this one will get the same treatment. With the changes to the hardware, it will likely be the same cost as a Mukluk to build out

5. Double walled rims, they collect water in the drilled out areas, which then rotates around in the cavity (not noticeable), however after reading about people possibly bending lighter Surly RD or CS rims, I am more confident with a beefier rim.

I have some ODI Flight control bars on order, along with an Atlas bar for the wife, and two pairs of Blackspire SUB4 pedals. This should make them a little flashier. With all the sliding around I am hesitant to put my SPDs on.

Tomorrow, I am picking up 2 x120 TPI Nates for the rear and 2 x120 TPI Buds for the front and will be riding with those for the rest of the season. The Buds should fit, and I will likely try and see if they will fit on the rear end first as I really want to run a 4.6-4.8 in the back. I also plan on dropping to a single ring (32) so it looks like I might have the room

yes i agree having ridden the bike a few times the rubber needs to be changed ...My first few rides were on dirt and they worked well there but on snow unless you keep the the bike at 90degress from the ground it will slide out ....but a very wicked fun bike for the price point ....I have changed out the stem and bars so far and added some fenders ...I am on the hunt for tires please let us know Mat if the big fat ones fit on the back looks like there is lots of room in the front

Picked up mine yesterday and got out for an 18km ride as soon as I got home. I definitely agree with the need to change out the tires and pedals but I also found the square grips uncomfortable and the stock saddle is a pain in the butt. Today I replaced the grips and attached a bottle cage but I plan on making the other changes as soon as I can.

After 3 rides on the bike the saddle doesn't bother me so much. Maybe I just had my shorts in a bunch on my 1st ride. Matt, how are the new tires working out for you? I still haven't decided what to get so I'm looking for some feedback when you get a chance.

I got out today on some packed single track that was a bit of a challenge when cornering. But other than that the bike is so much fun to ride. With the winter we're having so far this was definitely a good year to get a Fat bike.

I'm in the same boat with trying to decide what to get for winter tires for the Bigfoot. The Vee Missions are OK on packed snow without too many turns but are not good in powder, wet snow (snow collects on tires), or ice.
Otherwise it's a lot of fun and a very good first fatbike.

I've ridden the Vees about 40km now and it's time for a switch. I'm starting with the back because of the size of the investment and come Tuesday morning when one of my LBS re-opens, I'll be rolling a folding Nate (it's all they have left in stock and they said they can't get any more this season). The Missions will be fine on the highway-like singletrack in Ontario come summer, but they're not cutting it right now.

Here's the latest release from Norco on the Bigfoot. There are a couple of pics of my ride in there (tan/gold pants). And check out the dedicated Facebook group that's listed. Everyone in there is pretty chill and super easy-going -- great for us fat newbies!

I agree, the saddle is bunk, but with all the layers and the padded shorts, I don't notice the shortcomings. I could always poach the saddle from my Yeti...

Looks great!! I'm curious about tire choices. Do you happen to know what the limit is for rear sizing? The Lou and Bud combo intrigues me, but I'm not sure about the clearance in the rear. Care to comment?

love my bigfoot! had since end of october and agree the missions are not the best in soft snow and the pedals leave a lot to be desired. will be upgrading those items. i have found that running lower pressure helped on worst days a little(6-7 psi) vs tire sidewall min of 8. pinch flats though unless tubeless will be a concern. i also have found dropping the seatpost lower has helped with rear traction on the soft snow days too. i have mounted the rear tire backwards and it may have made subtle improvement too. Vee snowshoes or surly nates will be on my ride by next winter if not sooner & till then i pick my days and snowshoe my trails till more packed. Cheers and enjoy the ride, phat is where it is at!

I have a Minnesota 2.0 on order but I borrowed a friend's Norco Bigfoot yesterday. Once I got the tire pressure dialed in, the Mission tires weren't bad. Overall I was quite impressed with the bike. I was smiling the entire time. Yes those are bright pink pedals since the owner is a girl

Looks great!! I'm curious about tire choices. Do you happen to know what the limit is for rear sizing? The Lou and Bud combo intrigues me, but I'm not sure about the clearance in the rear. Care to comment?

The rear WILL fit a BUD (which is bigger than a LOU) but it will require drivetrain modification, you will likely need to go to a single ring (middle/big) and maybe even drop to 7 in the back, but it will fit in the frame with the stock rim.

As for my tire choices, I will SWEAR by the Nate 3.8 for the Rear. That tire is by far the best option for all terrain, especially snow. I have been out on the groomed XC stuff in -27 when the skiers were slipping all over the place and it was the best traction I have ever had... There is a video of some guys in my area on youtube going up a 29% grade that day and I am quite sure they are running Nates.

As for the Bud up front, I am very happy with that choice as well. I feel the bike has more then enough traction for everything I am riding. With the VR up front I was sidewashing all over the place and that is specifically what the tread pattern on the Bud was designed to prevent.

I did however have another mechanical issue with the bike where the granny ring up front developed a seriously bad case of chain suck, so much so it has gouged the chainstay. I swapped the ring out for another I had lying around and will be taking it back to the LBS asap. The quality of the granny ring was poor at best and it developed some serious burrs after about 100km of riding which then held the chain on and never let it go. I am a little pissed I have 3 VERY large scars on the frame now. We'll see what Norco has to say about that.

New Bigfoot owner....
the Vee tires stink....and since i have ridden Nates and know they are dynamite that is what is going on the Norco. The Vee rubber though is quite light! 1433 g.
Impressed with the brakes.
Added a QR for seat post.
I would highly recommend this bike....i believe Norco has the MSRP a bit low! watch for them to be more pricey for similar spec next yr.
long live that hairy beast...BiGfoot

Congrats on the Bigfoot; I love mine, too. I went Nate on the back and Husker Du on the front. Steering was awesome on the Du -- I hit 30 km/h on a downhill X-country trail and made the turn at the bottom with zero slippage. I could only find the Du in wire bead, but it's great nonetheless. Nate is on backwards and it like having paddle power. I'm going to run the Vees in the summer on hard pack.

My new Bigfoot

Love the bike!!!!!! Fun,fun,fun..get one!

QUOTE=Kawidan;10542386]Just posted on Norco's Facebook Page

One of the bikes you can expect to see in the 2014 Norco Bicycles lineup is a fat bike called the Bigfoot. This video is not the typical use of a fat bike but then again there is nothing typical about a fat bike!

I have had mine about 3 weeks or so, I put a Nate on the rear and a BUd on the front, whole new bike with those tries. Replaced the grips with ergo grips I already had, put a decent set of flats on it and some XT brakes which I may have to remove since they are freezing up on me, DAMN YOU SHIMANO ALL TO HELL! No worries I will get another set of Hopes for it, I can use these on the GF bike since she never rides in the cold weather. I have to agree the seat is a tad hard, the rest is fine for me, just love the bike.

Bluebird

One of my first rides on the Bigfoot and loving it. Not much groundbreaking with my build, just a 50mm stem swap, grips and Surly Nates. It's a large (19") which fits about perfect for me at 5'11. Not much to compare it to, i've only made tracks with a muk 3. Both solid bikes. Goodbye seasonal affective disorder!

I'm about 5 10" with a 30" pant inseam and am wondering who has one of these that are about my height as I've ridden a large 19" in the parking lot and it felt good with a 70mm stem but have yet to tr a medium 17" since they didn't have one. Anyone my height riding a large or medium?

I'm about 5 10" with a 30" pant inseam and am wondering who has one of these that are about my height as I've ridden a large 19" in the parking lot and it felt good with a 70mm stem but have yet to tr a medium 17" since they didn't have one. Anyone my height riding a large or medium?

As described above I am 5 11" riding a large (19") with 50mm stem and it fits perfect. I would think you'd be fine with a similar set up. Good luck!

I do notice that that they tend to feel a bit compact as I rode a 19" large when I typically ride a 17 or 18" with eff top tubes of 23-23.5" with the same stem and it felt very similar. I know the large is listed as having a 23.8" eff top tube but it felt smaller.

Got 3 rides in on my Bigfoot, Fanshawe forest, Forest Lea Trails, and Kingston Pembroke rail trail. Bike is awesome, and the Bud/Nate combo has been perfect. Can't comment on the VR tires as I pulled them without even riding them. The only thing I find a bit off on the bike is the shifting seems a bit slow compared to my FS bike with SRAM X0 9speed drive train. Feels like I need to plan my shift a bit more.

hellboy and the angry feet!

I agree with the video props, yet my hands hurt watching the rigid frame over the rough terrain...but then i have a few thousand miles on these 56 year old bones...I'd still be on my full squish in summer. Next winter, FAT!!

Last edited by wimeli@hotmail.com; 03-22-2014 at 04:03 AM.
Reason: misspelling

This bike is surprisingly comfy. About 4 weeks ago I did a 40km ride in f the Rockies and she was dream the whole way. The ride included ice roads, deep snow and open areas of glacial till, she chewed through it all even with 20psi in the tires. In fact I think I might be the first person to run panniers on a Bigfoot. I love this bike!

Looks like most of you got Vee Rubber tires. I bought a Bigfoot for my wife and she got 27TPI 45 Nrth Husker Dü tires, straight from the factory. I thought about stealing them for summer, but she informed me that I won't be touching them. Still, I was pretty happy to see the Du's instead of the Vee Rubber tires.

Just put some Hope brakes on the Bigfoot, tried to setup the front Bud tubeless but had zero success. I could not get enough air in it to get it to seal, even with valve stem core removed and a tube directly on the air valve from compressor, so I gave up and put the tube back in.

Looks like most of you got Vee Rubber tires. I bought a Bigfoot for my wife and she got 27TPI 45 Nrth Husker Dü tires, straight from the factory. I thought about stealing them for summer, but she informed me that I won't be touching them. Still, I was pretty happy to see the Du's instead of the Vee Rubber tires.

Yes, I'm still on the OE tires which were the Vee Rubber Missions. I think they'll be a decent summer tire but as a winter skin they seem to have very little side hold. That said you ride what the bike gives you and you learn to ride around it.
The day that photo was taken I was riding with my buddy who was rocking a 2013 Muk 3. The difference between the Bigfoot and the Muk was pretty neat. The Muk is the quintessential long haul truck of fat bikes where as the Bigfoot had more of a sports car/grand tourer feel. Loving it!

BigGDog, you nailed it. Your description of the difference is bang on. I hadn't figured out how to describe it until you put it in words. Land Rover vs Subaru rally car. No wonder I love my Bigfoot ... not that there's anything wrong with Land Rovers, of course.

The Vees will be fine on hard pack in summer, but I agree with you on the side hold issue on snow. You can dial down the pressure on snow, sit back hard on the seat and still do OK climbing and cornering on snow, but the Dus grip on corners that allow you to zip through a whole lot faster (and with fewer snow angels).

Thanks Eaglehawk!
The Vee are fine for now but I'm kind of waiting to see what the new crop of tires are brings to market. The Dus and the Floaters interest me but I want to see what Specialized brings to the table when the GC's are mass available. Yesterday I went for a short ride that required a lot of traversing of a nice slope. I aired down to about 7psi front and 8.5psi in the back but it didn't stop me from sliding down a 100' bank on my face (don't worry I'm fine - it was fun).
So for next winter I'll be looking for new skins and hopefully so Cobrafist bar mitts.

Cool. The fork is huge so that gives lots of options. I just looked at the rear triangle and I think a 1X setup would be in order to run a 4.7" tire in the back on the stock 80mm rims. Of course that begs the question of switching the rear cassette to a 10spd.
Summer project....

Looks like they may made a design change to give more support on the seat post??

I was also concerned with the new placement (read a couple posts above) it was actually their 3rd frame change. I'm thinking it had more to do with tire and mud clearance but still think it took away from the whole flow of the design. Either way, I ordered one based on the 2nd design and got the third but its ok, the bike is great.

I am guessing that the second prototype frame has less stress at the seat tube/seat stay junction but much higher stress at the seat stay/drop out junction due to the large angle between the two. The designer has probably (hopefully) gone for the lower overall stressed design even though the stress is a little high in some areas